FIVE AND ONE!

April 11, 2009

The last two weeks have been such a struggle. Each week the game ball has been awarded to different girls on the team… a normal practice that most adults understand, but to a five year-old girl, this is the difference of a coach’s approval.
What an awesome opportunity to teach about good sportsmanship. I have been coaching Erin on lessons on being a good sport—a good loser, if you will. She has come home crying after each game because she didn’t get the game ball. It has been really hard on her because she plays her hardest and does her best. When she doesn’t get the game ball, she thinks that the coaches are not proud of her, despite the high-fives and thumbs-up that they give her constantly throughout the game.
Tonight was her night, however! Even in the midst of the cold and dreary weather, she managed to shine like the sun. Every ball was hers, and she knew what to do with it. Five outs and one RBI were her accomplishments. As I was packing her bat bag in the dug-out, I heard the coach say to the team, “Tonight the game ball goes to Erin.” Hurray! In the words of her three year-old sister as she threw her arms around her, “Erin! You did it! I am so proud of you!”
Now, comes the harder lesson….how to be a good winner! What an awesome responsibility we have has parents to teach the lessons of life.
Peace and Blessings to all!